Flood Watches, Warnings In Effect As Snowpack Melts
Jun 13, 2019, 6:05 AM | Updated: 6:14 am
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Due to the melting snowpack, there are a number of rivers and creeks that are either under a flood watch or a flood warning.
As the temperatures rise, the rivers rise, and the risks rise with them. There are currently flood concerns for the Duchesne River and Little Cottonwood Creek, both of which could impact surrounding cities should their waters rise beyond the banks.
At Little Cottonwood Creek in Murray Park, the city has placed sandbags on portions of the bank and posted signs warning of the swift current. The flood watch is in place through Friday morning.
Flood watch for Little Cottonwood Creek. High levels flowing fast through Murray Park! pic.twitter.com/oOzD5RAhNi
— Felicia Martinez (@FeliciaNews) June 13, 2019
According to the National Weather Service, the creek could reach flood levels by Thursday afternoon, and officials are warning there’s a possibility of damage in valley areas adjacent to the creek.
In a Facebook post, Murray City notified residents that a walking bridge has been closed for safety.
In Duchesne County, the Duchesne River is bank-full in Myton. It’s predicted to hit flood stage by Friday, according to the National Weather Service, and lowland flooding is possible for the next few days.
The snow has been melting at more than half an inch a day above 10,000 feet. That melt rate is expected to intensify as the weather continues to warm.
We have issued a Flood Warning for the Duchesne River in Duchesne County through early next week.
Lowland areas along the Duchesne River from Hanna downstream to Myton as well as upstream roads, bridges, and infastructure will be impacted by flood waters.#utwx pic.twitter.com/fIbzWCaKWe
— NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) June 12, 2019
The National Weather Service has also issued a flood advisory for the Green River and the Uinta River in Uintah County.
The Green River is expected to rise to nearly 9.9 feet by Sunday. Flood stage is 10.8 feet. The Uinta River will increase to above bankfull by late afternoon Thursday and remain high through the weekend, according to the NWS.
